In Khudobin's absence, the Hurricanes have recalled netminder Justin Peters from the AHL.

It was believed that Rutherford could try to put in a claim on veteran goaltender Martin Biron, who had been placed on waivers by the New York Rangers earlier today, but that seems unlikely.

"It's an opportunity for Cam (Ward) to pick up some more games," Muller said of his starting goalie. "That's why you can't look ahead because we were just playing it back and forth with them because they were playing so well.

"Now Cam has an opportunity to have a few games, and it gives Khudobin a chance to heal up to 100 percent."